Forklifts
Forklifts are used to transfer, raise and engage palletized loads in material handling, construction, manufacturing and warehousing operation. With manual-drive forklifts, the load or travel movement is either powered manually or walk-behind. Motorized drive forklifts have a motorized drive. In many types of forklifts, the forklift has a protected cab or seat for the operator. Fork trucks have features like backup alarms, and cabs and are also motorized. Several models of forklifts are counterbalanced in order to prevent the vehicle from turning over. Other models come equipped with safety rails, or a rotating element like for example a hand rail or a turntable.
The stroke and lift capacity are other factors that you should take into account when selecting a kind of forklift. Lift capacity is defined as the maximum, supportable load or force. Stroke is defined as the difference between completely lowered and fully raised lift positions.
The type of fuel and the type of tire are also other important specifications that must be considered. The available fuel choices are: natural gas, liquid propane or LP, compressed natural gas or CNG, electricity, diesel, gasoline or propane.
There are two basic types of tires utilized for fork trucks and forklifts: solid and pneumatic. The solid or cushion tires require less maintenance than pneumatic tires and do not puncture easily. Air-inflated or pneumatic tires provide load cushioning and great drive traction. At the end of the day, cushion or solid tires offer less shock absorption.
Normally utilized on rough terrain are Class VII forklifts. These kinds of equipment are often used in construction, agriculture and in logging environments. Lastly, Class VIII forklifts have all burden and personnel carriers. Dual Fuel lift trucks frequently fit in this class.